Massachusetts Senate approves transportation bond bill

The Massachusetts Senate passed a bill authorizing $13 billion in capital spending over the next five years to fund improvements to the commonwealth's transportation system.

The bill dedicates $2.3 billion for South Coast rail improvements and creates a rail mitigation program to assist communities impacted by the South Coast rail project. The bill also includes $325 million for improvements to South Station.

"I am proud the Senate acted today to support crucial upgrades to our current transportation system, as well as South Coast Rail, which will bring many new opportunities to Southeastern Massachusetts," Sen. Marc Pacheco (D-MA-3) said. "I'd like to thank my Senate colleagues, especially Senate President Therese Murray and Sen. Thomas McGee, for their support of South Coast Rail, but also for supporting $750,000 for the reconstruction of Taunton sidewalks on High Street to meet ADA compliance and several other rehabilitation projects in Bridgewater, Middleborough and Wareham that will keep our cities and towns safe and user-friendly for all citizens."

The capital plan also includes $80 million for the statewide rail access program; $2.5 billion for heavy and light rail and bus projects to fund state of good repair projects, including Red, Orange and Green line cars; $1.3 billion for Green Line extension projects; $175 million for Springfield-Worcester, Boston-Cape Cod and Pittsfield-NYC rail projects and $30 million for service improvements to the Knowledge Corridor Rail Line.